Three pastors were arrested in recent weeks in Madhya Pradesh, India for their alleged involvement in selling a book offensive to Hindus at a January conference in Anuppur district. Two individuals were selling books entitled "Secularism and Hindutva" near the site of the three-day prayer conference. A group of Hindu militants purchased a copy, brought it to the local police station and filed a complaint against the conference's organizer, Pastor Paulose. After explaining to police that he was unaware that the books were being sold, Pastor Paulose was reprimanded and released. However, on February 25 he was again arrested. At last report he was denied bail and was being held at the Chachai police station.
On February 19, two other pastors were arrested for "deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings" in connection with the complaint about the book. At last report, one was being held at the Shadol district jail while the other was freed on bail.
Pray for the release of the imprisoned pastors. Ask God to give them and other suffering believers in India grace, wisdom and endurance as they serve Him (1 Peter 5:10).
To learn more about Indian Christians under fire for their faith, visit the India Country Report.
Population
